Abstract:
The NFL football season is right around the corner and millions of Americans are gearing up for their annual fantasy football drafts. With that in mind, here are five NFL players that could be suspended by the NFL in the coming weeks.
The 2012 NFL season is fast approaching. According to the NFL's official website, the initial preseason game will take place on Sunday, August 5 with the first regular season game occurring a month later, on Wednesday, September 5. The coming NFL season also heralds the beginning of fantasy football. Many men and women have already started pouring through NFL rosters and fantasy cheat sheets in an effort to identify players who have the potential to be fantasy superstars.
People who have begun their fantasy football research are conditioned to red flag athletes whose performances may be impacted by an injury, a holdout, or a feud with the coach. However, fantasy football aficionados may sometimes forget to place asterisks by players that have run afoul of the law in the off-season. These mistakes may be costly, especially for fantasy footballers whose drafts are coming up in the next couple of weeks. They may lament their decision to select Adrian Peterson or Dez Bryant in a draft only to learn in late August that the athlete will have to serve an NFL mandated suspension.
Here are five athletes that might be suspended by the NFL in the coming weeks.
Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver
Most people who have seen Dez Bryant in action would concur in the belief that he has a tremendous amount of talent. However, Bryant could not stay out of trouble in the offseason. As Fox News notes, police charged the receiver with misdemeanor assault for allegedly grabbing his mother by the shirt and striking her with a baseball cap. The incident occurred on July 14. Bryant may or may not be found guilty by the judicial system; however, per ESPN, that fact may not matter. The article notes that Roger Goodell could choose to suspend the Dallas star even if the court finds him not guilty. The jury is still out with regards to what actions Goodell may take in this case.
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings Running Back
Most fantasy football enthusiasts have probably already discounted Adrian Peterson's fantasy value due to a knee injury that he suffered last season. However, they might also want to keep in mind that, per ESPN, the star running back is facing misdemeanor charges of assault stemming from a July incident in a nightclub. Peterson's brush with the law might not be so bad, except for the fact that he is accused of assaulting an off duty police officer. The case is pending in both the judicial system and with the NFL. It is quite possible that Goodell will determine the star running back's NFL fate long before a judge or jury decide whether he is guilty or innocent. There is a silver lining for fantasy football fans. According to NBC, Peterson is not likely to be 100 percent during the first few weeks of the NFL season, which is when he would likely have to serve any NFL suspension.
Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans Wide Receiver
Like Peterson, Kenny Britt is coming back from a knee injury he suffered last season. Per ESPN, the star wide receiver is still having issues with the knee and has been placed on the Titans' physically unable to perform list. As a result, most fantasy footballers have probably already put an asterisk by his name. However, Britt also has to contend with a DUI charge he received earlier in July. Per The Tennessean, it is Britt's eighth run in with the law since 2009. As the article notes, Britt escaped Goodell's wrath after several brushes with the law last summer. Regardless of what happens in court, he is less likely to avoid a suspension this time around. Worse, Britt would likely not begin to serve his suspension until he is ready to take the field.
Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars Wide Receiver
As ESPN notes, Justin Blackmon, a star wide receiver for Oklahoma State, was selected in the first round of the most recent NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. When he was drafted, many people, especially individuals with keeper league teams, were probably chomping at the bit to add him to their fantasy football rosters. However, that situation changed when Blackmon was arrested by police in June for driving under the influence; he recently plead guilty to that offense. It was his second alcohol related incident since 2010, and, per NBC, has hindered his contract talks with the Jaguars. Anyone who drafts Blackmon has to bet that he can clear up his contract dispute with Jacksonville soon while at the same time avoiding any further brushes with the law. Fantasy football enthusiasts who pick-up Blackmon also have to hope that he avoids an NFL suspension.
Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks Running Back
People who started Marshawn Lynch on their fantasy football teams during the second half of last season were amply rewarded. Per Yahoo Sports, the running back scored 10 touchdowns and amassed 1070 total yards (receiving and running) from Week 9 through Week 17 of the 2011 season. Lynch has the opportunity to demonstrate that the second half of last season was no aberration; however, first, he has to avoid getting suspended by the NFL. According to ESPN, it is unclear at this time how Goodell will rule in this instance.
-- Anthony Hopper
#sports #football #NFL #fantasyfootball #games
Showing posts with label gambling/skill games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gambling/skill games. Show all posts
Friday
Why One Sports Fan Prefers the NFL over MLB
Abstract:
I enjoy watching Major League Baseball contests. However, I am a much bigger fan of the National Football League. If I have a choice between watching a MLB game or a NFL matchup, I will usually opt for the NFL game. Here are five reasons why.
I enjoy watching Major League Baseball contests. However, I am a much bigger fan of the National Football League. If I have a choice between watching a MLB game or a NFL match-up, I will usually opt for the NFL game.
Here are five reasons why I prefer the NFL over MLB:
Fantasy Sports: I will be honest, my intense interest in the NFL is due in large part to the fact that I play fantasy football. I love every aspect of fantasy football from the draft preparation to the weekly player research. I will tune into any NFL game as long as I have a fantasy athlete on one of the teams. As a case in point, I plan on watching the mediocre Miami Dolphins take on the hapless Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Nov. 11 (assuming the local bar is carrying the game). I am not a fan of either team. However, I have the Dolphins' Reggie Bush on one of my fantasy football squads. I want to watch as the running back carries my fantasy team to victory in Week 10.
I have not played fantasy baseball in years. As a result, I do not have any incentive to watch MLB games pitting two bad teams against each other.
Fewer Games: MLB teams play 162 regular season games each year, which dilutes the value of any one contest. By contrast, NFL teams only play 16 games during the regular season. As a result, I find that a regular season game in the NFL is usually much more compelling than one involving MLB teams. Just ask the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams are 3-5 at the midway point of the 2012 NFL season. Any hopes of making the postseason will likely end for the loser of this game. By contrast, the San Francisco Giants lost 68 regular season games in 2012, yet still managed to make the MLB postseason and win the World Series.
Hard Hits: I really enjoy watching NFL players tackle each other. I look forward to seeing a hard hit by a defensive end or an exciting touchdown-saving tackle by a cornerback. I do not get the same adrenaline rush from watching a batter slide into base or an outfielder dive to snag a ball. Would you rather watch the New York Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul put a bone crushing hit on a quarterback or the Cincinnati Reds' Billy Hamilton make a nice catch in the outfield?
More Ways to Score: I find NFL games exciting in part because teams have several ways to score points. They can kick a field goal, score a touchdown, get a safety, execute a two point conversion (after a touchdown) or kick an extra point. By contrast, MLB players can only score by touching home base.
Potential for Exciting Plays: A big part of the reason I watch NFL games is to see offensive players try to avoid being tackled by their opponents. I am on the edge of my seat when a wide receiver spins out of a tackle or a when a running back makes a juke move to get past a defender. I do not get the same satisfaction from watching a MLB player sliding into base to avoid a tag. There is nothing sweeter than watching a player like the Green Bay Packers' Randall Cobb running a kickoff back for a touchdown.
The author is an avid sports fan. His favorite teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers (in football) and the Atlanta Braves (in baseball).
-- Anthony Hopper
#fantasyfootball #football #NFL #fantasy #scoring
I enjoy watching Major League Baseball contests. However, I am a much bigger fan of the National Football League. If I have a choice between watching a MLB game or a NFL match-up, I will usually opt for the NFL game.
Here are five reasons why I prefer the NFL over MLB:
Fantasy Sports: I will be honest, my intense interest in the NFL is due in large part to the fact that I play fantasy football. I love every aspect of fantasy football from the draft preparation to the weekly player research. I will tune into any NFL game as long as I have a fantasy athlete on one of the teams. As a case in point, I plan on watching the mediocre Miami Dolphins take on the hapless Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Nov. 11 (assuming the local bar is carrying the game). I am not a fan of either team. However, I have the Dolphins' Reggie Bush on one of my fantasy football squads. I want to watch as the running back carries my fantasy team to victory in Week 10.
I have not played fantasy baseball in years. As a result, I do not have any incentive to watch MLB games pitting two bad teams against each other.
Fewer Games: MLB teams play 162 regular season games each year, which dilutes the value of any one contest. By contrast, NFL teams only play 16 games during the regular season. As a result, I find that a regular season game in the NFL is usually much more compelling than one involving MLB teams. Just ask the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams are 3-5 at the midway point of the 2012 NFL season. Any hopes of making the postseason will likely end for the loser of this game. By contrast, the San Francisco Giants lost 68 regular season games in 2012, yet still managed to make the MLB postseason and win the World Series.
Hard Hits: I really enjoy watching NFL players tackle each other. I look forward to seeing a hard hit by a defensive end or an exciting touchdown-saving tackle by a cornerback. I do not get the same adrenaline rush from watching a batter slide into base or an outfielder dive to snag a ball. Would you rather watch the New York Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul put a bone crushing hit on a quarterback or the Cincinnati Reds' Billy Hamilton make a nice catch in the outfield?
More Ways to Score: I find NFL games exciting in part because teams have several ways to score points. They can kick a field goal, score a touchdown, get a safety, execute a two point conversion (after a touchdown) or kick an extra point. By contrast, MLB players can only score by touching home base.
Potential for Exciting Plays: A big part of the reason I watch NFL games is to see offensive players try to avoid being tackled by their opponents. I am on the edge of my seat when a wide receiver spins out of a tackle or a when a running back makes a juke move to get past a defender. I do not get the same satisfaction from watching a MLB player sliding into base to avoid a tag. There is nothing sweeter than watching a player like the Green Bay Packers' Randall Cobb running a kickoff back for a touchdown.
The author is an avid sports fan. His favorite teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers (in football) and the Atlanta Braves (in baseball).
-- Anthony Hopper
#fantasyfootball #football #NFL #fantasy #scoring
Wednesday
My Bracket Has Been Busted
Well, I have had better NCAA brackets over the years-that is
for sure. You know it's not a going to
be a good year when you check your bracket only to find out that it is ranked in
the bottom 2.5% in a prominent, national bracket contest. I have improved to about 11% or so
now...Perhaps I will get really lucky and will be able to move up to around 25%
(from the bottom, not the top 25%)...Needless, to say, I should not have picked
so many upsets (and should not have counted on mid-majors breaking through the
ceiling this year). How are your
brackets coming along? Hopefully, you
are doing better than me.
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| Basketball player-Microsoft Office |
Thursday
My 2013 NCAA Tourney Picks
The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament's second round games (the first round consists of the play-in games) have begun. Here are my picks in this year's NCAA Tourney. Like the millions of other people who have filled out a bracket, I probably won't have to wait long to suffer my first loss (just hope it is not a bracket busting one). Bracket comes from ESPN.
Sunday
My Fantasy Football Teams
For those of you who are wondering how my fantasy football teams are doing. Two out of the three teams made the regular playoffs. One of those teams lost in the semifinals and one is playing in the finals. The finals match-up is below (with the league and players' names redacted to protect my opponent's anonymity--my team is on the left).
I think I have a good shot at winning it all in this league. If I win this match-up, my record over the last four years will be: 7 Leagues --> 3 1st place finishes, 3 3rd/4th place finishes, 1 10th place finish.
I think I have a good shot at winning it all in this league. If I win this match-up, my record over the last four years will be: 7 Leagues --> 3 1st place finishes, 3 3rd/4th place finishes, 1 10th place finish.
Three Key Takeways from 2012 Fantasy Football Season
Going into Week 7's Sunday games, my three fantasy football teams are 1st (out of 10), 1st (out of 10) and 10th (out of 12). My last team (in a 12 team keeper league) is an uninspiring 2-4. Hopefully, I can keep the good times rolling for two of my teams and somehow find a way to get something rolling for the under performing squad. As for fantasy football, I've learned some things (or at least, I keep getting reminded of some things) during the first seven weeks. Here are three of my key takeaways from the first half of the 2012 fantasy football season.
Number 1: One Fantasy Player Can Make or Break Your Day
Fantasy football might be a team effort (the owner and his/her fantasy players). However, one player can make or break a team's week. As a case in point, one of my fantasy teams was up by almost 40 points a couple of weeks ago (Week 4 to be exact). The other team had Dez Bryant and the Chicago defense. Dez was good but not great; he didn't beat my team. The Chicago defense on the other hand--well, let's just say it was painful to watch. The Chicago d. amassed 25.00 points (which is about 5 times more than defenses usually score in this league)--more points than anyone else on his team. He went on to beat me by 5 points.
Number 2: Dream Match-ups Don't Always Pan Out
I was stoked for the Thursday, Oct. 11 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans. For one thing, I'm a Steelers fan, and I assumed that my team, which was 2-2 and had just beaten the Philadelphia Eagles, would trounce the hapless Titans, who were 1-4. At the same time, all three of my fantasy football teams featured wide receiver Antonio Brown. How could Brown not put up huge numbers against one of the worst pass defenses in the league? Well, Brown finished the day with 4 catches for 20 yards, and the Steelers lost. Ouch!
Number 3: One or Two Plays Make All the Difference
It would make life a lot easier (for me anyway) if players accumulated fantasy points in predictable fashion. However, my fantasy players (and those of my opponents as well) tend to get most of their weekly points in one or two big plays. For instance, a running back's first 10 carries might go for 40 yards. He then proceeds to break free for a 40 yard touchdown scamper. His fantasy point total immediately goes from 4 to 14 (in Yahoo Sports non-ppr, default scoring leagues anyway).
Ok, maybe I lied :). Those breakout plays make football (and especially fantasy football) exciting. At the same time, it is frustrating (well, when the big scoring play goes against me anyway).
Photo courtesy of Andy (via Wikimedia Commons-Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 license) and located on Flickr profile, Tiny Steelers?
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| The Pittsburgh Steelers lineup against the Tennessee Titans during the 2008 season. Citation at bottom of post. |
Number 1: One Fantasy Player Can Make or Break Your Day
Fantasy football might be a team effort (the owner and his/her fantasy players). However, one player can make or break a team's week. As a case in point, one of my fantasy teams was up by almost 40 points a couple of weeks ago (Week 4 to be exact). The other team had Dez Bryant and the Chicago defense. Dez was good but not great; he didn't beat my team. The Chicago defense on the other hand--well, let's just say it was painful to watch. The Chicago d. amassed 25.00 points (which is about 5 times more than defenses usually score in this league)--more points than anyone else on his team. He went on to beat me by 5 points.
Number 2: Dream Match-ups Don't Always Pan Out
I was stoked for the Thursday, Oct. 11 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans. For one thing, I'm a Steelers fan, and I assumed that my team, which was 2-2 and had just beaten the Philadelphia Eagles, would trounce the hapless Titans, who were 1-4. At the same time, all three of my fantasy football teams featured wide receiver Antonio Brown. How could Brown not put up huge numbers against one of the worst pass defenses in the league? Well, Brown finished the day with 4 catches for 20 yards, and the Steelers lost. Ouch!
Number 3: One or Two Plays Make All the Difference
It would make life a lot easier (for me anyway) if players accumulated fantasy points in predictable fashion. However, my fantasy players (and those of my opponents as well) tend to get most of their weekly points in one or two big plays. For instance, a running back's first 10 carries might go for 40 yards. He then proceeds to break free for a 40 yard touchdown scamper. His fantasy point total immediately goes from 4 to 14 (in Yahoo Sports non-ppr, default scoring leagues anyway).
Ok, maybe I lied :). Those breakout plays make football (and especially fantasy football) exciting. At the same time, it is frustrating (well, when the big scoring play goes against me anyway).
Photo courtesy of Andy (via Wikimedia Commons-Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 license) and located on Flickr profile, Tiny Steelers?
Thursday
A Little Baseball & A Little Fantasy Football
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| Courtesy of Microsoft Office |
Baseball: Chipper Jones' Memorable Home Runs
As I mentioned previously, Chipper Jones, who plays third base for the Atlanta Braves, is retiring at the end of this postseason. He was a great batter and hit a lot of homers during his tenure with the Braves. In honor of that fact, I wrote a freelance article highlighting some of his most memorable home runs. You can find it below:
Chipper Jones' 10 Most Memorable Home Runs -- No longer available at that site
Fantasy Football: How My Teams Are Doing...
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| Courtesy of Microsoft Office |
Fantasy Football: What Surprises Me Most about This Season
What surprises me most about the season so far is the lack of players who get a chance due to injury and become year long superstars. Heck, for that matter, IMO, there haven't been any sleepers to superstars yet. Alfred Morris (one of the my preseason players to watch--see a previous post) is doing well; however, he certainly is not this year's running back equivalent of Victor Cruz. Brian Hartline (WR Miami) might be turn out to be that guy; however, so far, he has been up and down. Literally! Great week followed by a sub-par week followed by a great week. Let's see how Hartline performs this week in Cincinnati. In thinking about it, perhaps some people would consider Robert Griffin III to be a sleeper hit; however, I never saw him as a sleeper in the first place.
Ok, that is all for now. Enjoy the game tonight!
Monday
My Fantasy Football Thoughts, Week 2
My fantasy football teams have done well so far this season. All three teams won their games in the first week of play. Two of my teams have sealed victories in Week 2. I may hit the trifecta again this week if Matt Ryan and/or Julio Jones has a big game (eg. Ryan would probably need 250-300 yards and 2 touchdowns). Here are some of my fantasy football thoughts after watching the Week 2 games.
I have spent the last two Sundays watching the NFL football games at a local bar/restaurant (I had coupons for steep discounts on the food). During that time, I had a chance to watch portions of most of the games. Here are a few of my thoughts:
Four Teams Prone to Giving Up Big Games to Fantasy Defenses: I wold suggest targeting any defense that plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Tennessee Titans, and the Arizona Cardinals (and yes, I know the Cardinals are 2-0). I think that a solid defense will be able to rack up some fantasy points against these teams in most weeks. Of course, the season is still young. One or more of these teams may pick-up the offensive pace and come off this list.
Seattle Seahawks Defense: I own the Seattle Seahawks' defense in all three of my leagues and plan to use that D next week. I know that the idea of playing the Seattle D. against Green Bay might seem crazy (and might be crazy--we'll have to see), but I was mightily impressed by the team's performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, Rogers has been susceptible to sacks.
Looking Back at My Preseason Players to Watch List: Right before the season began, I listed several players who I thought would have big years (or at least be worth a value pick-up). I am quite happy (so far) with my choices at QB and at WR. I have been somewhat disappointed with Donald Brown; however, I will continue to hang on to him. Alfred Morris has done more or less what I expected him to do (though, sadly, I dropped him in one league to pick-up Kevin Ogletree--argh, what a mistake)...I am most disappointed with Greg Olsen. I have dropped him in one league (did it last night) and will drop him in my other league as well. I picked up Martellus Bennett in his place. I will look tonight to see if Bennett is available in my other league (and try to pull-off the same transaction).
Fantasy Surprise of the Week: Like everyone else, I was shocked when the Arizona Cardinals beat the New England Patriots. However, I was more surprised by the New York Giants' offensive explosion. I was not feeling good about my chances to win any of my leagues early on during the day, especially given how poorly Eli Mannig (owned on 1 team), Victor Cruz (owned on 2 teams), and company were playing. Needless to say, I was shocked to see Eli and the Giants turn things around. Manning's and Cruz's performances helped catapult me to victory in two fantasy football leagues and have given me a fighting chance in the other one.
Update (9/18/2012): I managed to eke out a win in the league game that was in question. I am now 2-0 in all three leagues. Of course, with my luck, I will probably be 2-12 by the end of the season. :/
I have spent the last two Sundays watching the NFL football games at a local bar/restaurant (I had coupons for steep discounts on the food). During that time, I had a chance to watch portions of most of the games. Here are a few of my thoughts:
Four Teams Prone to Giving Up Big Games to Fantasy Defenses: I wold suggest targeting any defense that plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Tennessee Titans, and the Arizona Cardinals (and yes, I know the Cardinals are 2-0). I think that a solid defense will be able to rack up some fantasy points against these teams in most weeks. Of course, the season is still young. One or more of these teams may pick-up the offensive pace and come off this list.
Seattle Seahawks Defense: I own the Seattle Seahawks' defense in all three of my leagues and plan to use that D next week. I know that the idea of playing the Seattle D. against Green Bay might seem crazy (and might be crazy--we'll have to see), but I was mightily impressed by the team's performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, Rogers has been susceptible to sacks.
Looking Back at My Preseason Players to Watch List: Right before the season began, I listed several players who I thought would have big years (or at least be worth a value pick-up). I am quite happy (so far) with my choices at QB and at WR. I have been somewhat disappointed with Donald Brown; however, I will continue to hang on to him. Alfred Morris has done more or less what I expected him to do (though, sadly, I dropped him in one league to pick-up Kevin Ogletree--argh, what a mistake)...I am most disappointed with Greg Olsen. I have dropped him in one league (did it last night) and will drop him in my other league as well. I picked up Martellus Bennett in his place. I will look tonight to see if Bennett is available in my other league (and try to pull-off the same transaction).
Fantasy Surprise of the Week: Like everyone else, I was shocked when the Arizona Cardinals beat the New England Patriots. However, I was more surprised by the New York Giants' offensive explosion. I was not feeling good about my chances to win any of my leagues early on during the day, especially given how poorly Eli Mannig (owned on 1 team), Victor Cruz (owned on 2 teams), and company were playing. Needless to say, I was shocked to see Eli and the Giants turn things around. Manning's and Cruz's performances helped catapult me to victory in two fantasy football leagues and have given me a fighting chance in the other one.
Update (9/18/2012): I managed to eke out a win in the league game that was in question. I am now 2-0 in all three leagues. Of course, with my luck, I will probably be 2-12 by the end of the season. :/
Wednesday
Some of My Favorite Fantasy Football Players
The NFL football season official starts tonight with an 8:30 p.m. game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. I can't wait for the season to begin. I am playing in three fantasy football leagues this year (I thought I was going to play in a fourth one but that fell through late). In honor of the start of fantasy football season, I decided to provide a list of the fantasy football players I am most excited about. I have included some top ranked players but have shied away from the biggest names, eg. Drew Brees, Ray Rice, Calvin Johnson, etc. We all know that most of those names will have stellar seasons unless they get hurt.
Quarterbacks:
Matt Ryan, Atl.: Last year, I picked Matt Stafford up in all of my leagues (he sat on the bench behind Drew Brees in two of those leagues). I was impressed with his strong training camp and preseason performances. I hit the lottery. I am hoping to work the same magic with Matt Ryan. Can I hit the lottery two years in a row? I think (fervently hope) that Matt Ryan will have a top 3/4 type of season. Two of my fantasy teams will depend on it.
Eli Manning, NYG: I think (hope) that he will finish among the top 5 quarterbacks. He is on one of my fantasy teams.
Running Backs:
Donald Brown, Ind.: I think Donald Brown will be the surprise running back of the year. I was especially impressed with Brown's performance late last year, and look for him to have a great year catching passes and running the ball. I am staking my fantasy football season on this prediction, as I have him on all three fantasy rosters.
Alfred Morris, Wash.: Yes, I know that Morris plays for Mike Shanahan--a coach who changes running backs about once a week (kidding--but it feels like that sometimes). And yes, I realize that Morris is part of a crowded backfield and might not start in Week 1. With all that said, I have a feeling that Morris could be a great fantasy pick-up this season. Unfortunately, my gut intuitions are often wrong. Nevertheless, I have Morris on one fantasy team and will try to pick him up in the other ones if/when he becomes the starter.
Wide Receivers:
Antonio Brown, Pitt.: I watched several of the games he played in last year. I was extremely impressed with his ability to make difficult catches and to elude defensive players. I think that Brown will finish the season as a top 3 wide receiver. I hope he does, as I have him on all three of my fantasy teams.
Victor Cruz, NYG: I picked up Cruz on a couple of my fantasy football teams last year, and he outperformed. I think he will do just as well if not better this time around. He is on two of my three fantasy football teams this time around.
Julio Jones, Atl: Assuming he can stay healthy, I think Julio Jones will finish in the top 5 among receivers in terms of yards. At least I hope so...I have him on one of my three fantasy football teams. I tried very hard to get him for a second team, but that didn't work.
Tight Ends:
Greg Olsen, Car.: Olsen's coach, Ron Rivera, thinks that he will have a tremendous year, so that's all I need to know. I'm kidding...but I do think that Olsen will finish the season as one of the top 4 tight ends in the NFL. I am so confident in this fact, that I have him on two of my fantasy teams.
Well, those are the players (apart from the established superstars) who I am most excited about. I have demonstrated my fantasy love for these athletes by drafting them for at least one (and in many cases, all) of my fantasy teams.
At the end of the season, I will probably look back at this list and say, "Wow, how could I have put this or that player on the list." We will just have to wait and see....
Quarterbacks:
Matt Ryan, Atl.: Last year, I picked Matt Stafford up in all of my leagues (he sat on the bench behind Drew Brees in two of those leagues). I was impressed with his strong training camp and preseason performances. I hit the lottery. I am hoping to work the same magic with Matt Ryan. Can I hit the lottery two years in a row? I think (fervently hope) that Matt Ryan will have a top 3/4 type of season. Two of my fantasy teams will depend on it.
Eli Manning, NYG: I think (hope) that he will finish among the top 5 quarterbacks. He is on one of my fantasy teams.
Running Backs:
Donald Brown, Ind.: I think Donald Brown will be the surprise running back of the year. I was especially impressed with Brown's performance late last year, and look for him to have a great year catching passes and running the ball. I am staking my fantasy football season on this prediction, as I have him on all three fantasy rosters.
Alfred Morris, Wash.: Yes, I know that Morris plays for Mike Shanahan--a coach who changes running backs about once a week (kidding--but it feels like that sometimes). And yes, I realize that Morris is part of a crowded backfield and might not start in Week 1. With all that said, I have a feeling that Morris could be a great fantasy pick-up this season. Unfortunately, my gut intuitions are often wrong. Nevertheless, I have Morris on one fantasy team and will try to pick him up in the other ones if/when he becomes the starter.
Wide Receivers:
Antonio Brown, Pitt.: I watched several of the games he played in last year. I was extremely impressed with his ability to make difficult catches and to elude defensive players. I think that Brown will finish the season as a top 3 wide receiver. I hope he does, as I have him on all three of my fantasy teams.
Victor Cruz, NYG: I picked up Cruz on a couple of my fantasy football teams last year, and he outperformed. I think he will do just as well if not better this time around. He is on two of my three fantasy football teams this time around.
Julio Jones, Atl: Assuming he can stay healthy, I think Julio Jones will finish in the top 5 among receivers in terms of yards. At least I hope so...I have him on one of my three fantasy football teams. I tried very hard to get him for a second team, but that didn't work.
Tight Ends:
Greg Olsen, Car.: Olsen's coach, Ron Rivera, thinks that he will have a tremendous year, so that's all I need to know. I'm kidding...but I do think that Olsen will finish the season as one of the top 4 tight ends in the NFL. I am so confident in this fact, that I have him on two of my fantasy teams.
Well, those are the players (apart from the established superstars) who I am most excited about. I have demonstrated my fantasy love for these athletes by drafting them for at least one (and in many cases, all) of my fantasy teams.
At the end of the season, I will probably look back at this list and say, "Wow, how could I have put this or that player on the list." We will just have to wait and see....
Saturday
Footbal Season is Fast Approaching
The NFL football season is fast approaching. I can't believe that the first game of the season, between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants, takes place in less than a week (on Wednesday, Sept. 5). With that in mind, here are some random, football related questions.
1. I wonder How Many Retired Players Would Return If...? If retired football players (the ones who retired due to age and not due to injuries) were asked, "Would you return to the game if you woke up tomorrow and you were 25 again? How about if you were 25 again, yet you still possessed any football related injuries (including brain injuries)? I assume that most players would answer yes to the first question. It would be interesting to see how many of them would respond aye to the second question.
2. Will Maurice Jones-Drew End His Holdout Soon? That is a question on many fantasy football players' minds (and probably on the minds of most Jaguars fans). I do not own Jones-Drew in any of my fantasy leagues; however, I do have his back-up, Rashad Jennings, on two of my fantasy rosters. The longer Jones-Drew holds out, the happier I am.
3. How Will the Replacement Refs Perform? I've seen numerous articles, videos etc. detailing the refs' bloopers. However, I've watched some of the preseason games on T.V. (at a local restaurant/bar), and I think they are doing okay. Regardless, the replacement referees' real tests will come next week, when the football season begins in earnest.
4. Will the Steelers Beat the Broncos in Week 1? Let's hope so. :)
That's all for now....
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| Clip art courtesy of Microsoft Office |
2. Will Maurice Jones-Drew End His Holdout Soon? That is a question on many fantasy football players' minds (and probably on the minds of most Jaguars fans). I do not own Jones-Drew in any of my fantasy leagues; however, I do have his back-up, Rashad Jennings, on two of my fantasy rosters. The longer Jones-Drew holds out, the happier I am.
3. How Will the Replacement Refs Perform? I've seen numerous articles, videos etc. detailing the refs' bloopers. However, I've watched some of the preseason games on T.V. (at a local restaurant/bar), and I think they are doing okay. Regardless, the replacement referees' real tests will come next week, when the football season begins in earnest.
4. Will the Steelers Beat the Broncos in Week 1? Let's hope so. :)
That's all for now....
Friday
My Fantasy Football Draft
Over the next week or two, millions of Americans will engaged in the annual rite of passage known as the fantasy football draft. The will spend several hours hunkered with other fantasy football fanatics in homes, at restaurants/bars, or in other locations pouring over cheat sheets and shouting out the names of their chosen players (if it is a snake draft).
I completed my first fantasy draft of the year last night. I will post my draft below along with some of the thinking that went into my decisions. Maybe some of you will find the information helpful. Either way, let me know what you think.
League Type: 10 team head-to-head format
Draft Type: Snake draft
Scoring: Basic non-PPR scoring for the most part (eg. 1 pt. per 10 yards receiving/rushing, etc. with exception that all QB touchdowns are 6 points)
Players: 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR), 1 K, 1 Def.
Pick: 4th
Rounds: 15
First Round: I had some really tough choices The people in front of me chose Drew Brees, Aaron Rogers, and Arian Foster. I had to make a difficult decision between Tom Brady, Ray Rice, or LeSean McCoy. Quarterbacks, on average, score a lot more points than similarly ranked skill players at other positions. In other words, if all stay healthy, Tom Brady will likely vastly outscore either Rice or McCoy. However, I have a gut feeling that one other quarterback, not named Brees or Rogers, may outscore Tom Brady this year. I wasn't sure I could nab him in a later round, but I decided to roll the dice. I like Ray Rice over LeSean McCoy, so I chose RB, Ray Rice.
Second Round: I had a long wait until I got to choose again (with the 17th pick). During that period, my competitors nabbed a lot of the great players. However, I still had my pick of some top 5 players at all of the skill positions, except RB. I agonized over this pick. Do I choose a top WR, a top 10 RB (as the top 5 were gone), my QB? In the end, I decided to go with TE, Jimmy Graham. Our league requires teams to start a TE, and the point spread between Graham/Gronk and the rest of the field is enormous. By choosing Graham, I think I will gain a 5+ point advantage over almost everyone else in the league at this position for as long as the TE is healthy.
Third Round: I could have chosen my QB but I went instead with WR, Victor Cruz. I was impressed with the WR last year and have been mightily impressed with his camp and preseason performance. IMO, if he stays healthy, he will be a top 5 WR at the end of the year. In saying that, I was tempted to choose Rob Gronkowski. The TE was still available. I would have lost out on my chance to pick-up a great WR; however, I would have dominated the TE category. I chose not to take this route.
Fourth Round: I wanted RB, Trent Richardson, but a competitor snatched him up two spots before my pick. My next choice, Ryan Mathews, went right before my pick. At that point, I decided to go with another WR, Antonio Brown. I watched Brown play a few times last year, and I was amazed at his ability to elude defenders, his hands, and his speed. IMO, Brown also benefits by the fact that a) Mike Wallace chose to hold out (allowing him and Ben to click further), and b) that Mike Wallace is back in the fold (which takes some of the defensive pressure off of Brown). I think that Antonio Brown could also end the year in the top 5 among receivers--at least the top 10.
Fifth Round: I really wanted to choose my QB in this round. I worried that someone else may nab him if I did not do it...However, after grabbing Rogers, Brees, and Brady, my competitors had pretty much left the QB's alone. So, I decided to hold off on picking my QB in favor of taking RB, Marshawn Lynch. IMO, Lynch is not only an injury risk, he is also a suspension risk. However, Lynch is ranked as a top 10 RB on almost every fantasy cheat sheet I have seen (and I have looked through a lot of them). Hence, I decided to go with Lynch.
Sixth Round: Someone chose a QB, Eli Manning, before me. Though it was not the one I wanted, it spurred me into action. I chose QB, Matt Ryan. From everything I've read, and more importantly from everything I've seen out of Ryan in camp/preseason and in previous years, I think that this is the year Ryan breaks into the top 3/4 QB range. At least, I hope so...My season rides on him performing very, very well.
Seventh Round: The RB list is becoming thin indeed. I decided to go with RB, Donald Brown. I was impressed with Brown's performance last year and in the preseason/camp this year. I also think that the addition of Andrew Luck will add some spice to the offense (and perhaps take take some of the defensive focus away from stopping the run). Of course, I didn't know anything about the potential MJD to Indianapolis deal when I drafted Brown. I only learned of that potential trade a couple of hours ago from ESPN radio.
Eighth Round: There are still some good to great QB's left on the board. I decide to snatch up the one that I think is the best remaining QB, Philip Rivers. Rivers always has the potential to put up monster numbers.
Ninth Round: I like what I've been seeing from WR, Pierre Garcon. Therefore, I took a flyer on him.
Tenth Round: I have also liked what I've been seeing from RB, Rashad Jennings. I took a flyer on him in case Maurice Jones-Drew's holdout lasts into the season or he is traded.
Eleventh Round: I have no clue who is going to get the start at RB for the Redskins, but RB, Evan Royster, is as likely as any of the other backs to get the nod. I decided to take a gamble and go with Royster. I can always cut him later if he doesn't pan out.
Twelfth Round: Competitors started to pick-up defenses. I figured I might as well choose mine in this round. I looked at the Week 1 schedule and liked what I saw with Def., Seattle. I'm not sure if Seattle is willing to hold on to for the season, or if I want to choose a different defense each week based on a situational basis. I'll take a wait and see approach.
Thirteenth Round: I needed a kicker and so went with K, David Akers.
Fourteenth Round: I definitely needed another WR. I chose WR, Danny Armendola. I like what I've seen from Armendola in camp/preseason.
Fifteenth: I chose a back-up TE, Jermaine Gresham.
I completed my first fantasy draft of the year last night. I will post my draft below along with some of the thinking that went into my decisions. Maybe some of you will find the information helpful. Either way, let me know what you think.
League Type: 10 team head-to-head format
Draft Type: Snake draft
Scoring: Basic non-PPR scoring for the most part (eg. 1 pt. per 10 yards receiving/rushing, etc. with exception that all QB touchdowns are 6 points)
Players: 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR), 1 K, 1 Def.
Pick: 4th
Rounds: 15
First Round: I had some really tough choices The people in front of me chose Drew Brees, Aaron Rogers, and Arian Foster. I had to make a difficult decision between Tom Brady, Ray Rice, or LeSean McCoy. Quarterbacks, on average, score a lot more points than similarly ranked skill players at other positions. In other words, if all stay healthy, Tom Brady will likely vastly outscore either Rice or McCoy. However, I have a gut feeling that one other quarterback, not named Brees or Rogers, may outscore Tom Brady this year. I wasn't sure I could nab him in a later round, but I decided to roll the dice. I like Ray Rice over LeSean McCoy, so I chose RB, Ray Rice.
Second Round: I had a long wait until I got to choose again (with the 17th pick). During that period, my competitors nabbed a lot of the great players. However, I still had my pick of some top 5 players at all of the skill positions, except RB. I agonized over this pick. Do I choose a top WR, a top 10 RB (as the top 5 were gone), my QB? In the end, I decided to go with TE, Jimmy Graham. Our league requires teams to start a TE, and the point spread between Graham/Gronk and the rest of the field is enormous. By choosing Graham, I think I will gain a 5+ point advantage over almost everyone else in the league at this position for as long as the TE is healthy.
Third Round: I could have chosen my QB but I went instead with WR, Victor Cruz. I was impressed with the WR last year and have been mightily impressed with his camp and preseason performance. IMO, if he stays healthy, he will be a top 5 WR at the end of the year. In saying that, I was tempted to choose Rob Gronkowski. The TE was still available. I would have lost out on my chance to pick-up a great WR; however, I would have dominated the TE category. I chose not to take this route.
Fourth Round: I wanted RB, Trent Richardson, but a competitor snatched him up two spots before my pick. My next choice, Ryan Mathews, went right before my pick. At that point, I decided to go with another WR, Antonio Brown. I watched Brown play a few times last year, and I was amazed at his ability to elude defenders, his hands, and his speed. IMO, Brown also benefits by the fact that a) Mike Wallace chose to hold out (allowing him and Ben to click further), and b) that Mike Wallace is back in the fold (which takes some of the defensive pressure off of Brown). I think that Antonio Brown could also end the year in the top 5 among receivers--at least the top 10.
Fifth Round: I really wanted to choose my QB in this round. I worried that someone else may nab him if I did not do it...However, after grabbing Rogers, Brees, and Brady, my competitors had pretty much left the QB's alone. So, I decided to hold off on picking my QB in favor of taking RB, Marshawn Lynch. IMO, Lynch is not only an injury risk, he is also a suspension risk. However, Lynch is ranked as a top 10 RB on almost every fantasy cheat sheet I have seen (and I have looked through a lot of them). Hence, I decided to go with Lynch.
Sixth Round: Someone chose a QB, Eli Manning, before me. Though it was not the one I wanted, it spurred me into action. I chose QB, Matt Ryan. From everything I've read, and more importantly from everything I've seen out of Ryan in camp/preseason and in previous years, I think that this is the year Ryan breaks into the top 3/4 QB range. At least, I hope so...My season rides on him performing very, very well.
Seventh Round: The RB list is becoming thin indeed. I decided to go with RB, Donald Brown. I was impressed with Brown's performance last year and in the preseason/camp this year. I also think that the addition of Andrew Luck will add some spice to the offense (and perhaps take take some of the defensive focus away from stopping the run). Of course, I didn't know anything about the potential MJD to Indianapolis deal when I drafted Brown. I only learned of that potential trade a couple of hours ago from ESPN radio.
Eighth Round: There are still some good to great QB's left on the board. I decide to snatch up the one that I think is the best remaining QB, Philip Rivers. Rivers always has the potential to put up monster numbers.
Ninth Round: I like what I've been seeing from WR, Pierre Garcon. Therefore, I took a flyer on him.
Tenth Round: I have also liked what I've been seeing from RB, Rashad Jennings. I took a flyer on him in case Maurice Jones-Drew's holdout lasts into the season or he is traded.
Eleventh Round: I have no clue who is going to get the start at RB for the Redskins, but RB, Evan Royster, is as likely as any of the other backs to get the nod. I decided to take a gamble and go with Royster. I can always cut him later if he doesn't pan out.
Twelfth Round: Competitors started to pick-up defenses. I figured I might as well choose mine in this round. I looked at the Week 1 schedule and liked what I saw with Def., Seattle. I'm not sure if Seattle is willing to hold on to for the season, or if I want to choose a different defense each week based on a situational basis. I'll take a wait and see approach.
Thirteenth Round: I needed a kicker and so went with K, David Akers.
Fourteenth Round: I definitely needed another WR. I chose WR, Danny Armendola. I like what I've seen from Armendola in camp/preseason.
Fifteenth: I chose a back-up TE, Jermaine Gresham.
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